Python Input & Output: `input()` Function

Learn how to use Python's input() function effectively! Get user input, handle data types (int, float, string), add prompts, and validate input with practical examples.

What is input()?

The input() function in Python is used to take user input from the keyboard. It allows a program to interact with users by asking for information.

Syntax:

variable_name = input("Prompt message")

• Prompt message: A string displayed to the user before they enter input.
• variable_name: The variable where the user’s input is stored.

Basic Example

name = input("Enter your name: ")
print("Hello, " + name + "!")

Explanation:

1. input("Enter your name: ") displays the message “Enter your name: “ and waits for the user to type something.
2. The user types their name and presses Enter.
3. The input is stored in the variable name.
4. print("Hello, " + name + "!") displays a greeting message with the user’s name.

Taking Numerical Input

By default, input() returns a string. If you need a number, you must convert it using int() or float().

Example:

age = int(input("Enter your age: "))
print("In 5 years, you will be", age + 5)

Explanation:

1. The user enters their age as a string.
2. int(input(...)) converts it into an integer.
3. The program calculates the age after 5 years and prints it.